Our Approach
We believe solutions to poverty should restore dignity to those experiencing poverty, moving them into economic self-sufficiency so that they may become leaders of change within their families and communities.
The Most Vulnerable
We respond to the call of Jesus to love the poor and care for the most vulnerable in society. We believe everyone, even the most broken, can be transformed into healed individuals who can care for themselves and their families.
Female Focused
Research reveals that investing in women in developing countries is essential to achieving broader development goals. Women who are provided jobs, education and encouragement will be more likely to instill those values in future generations. We believe that investing in women will reap lasting rewards for future generations.
Community Based
We emphasize community-based solutions to poverty by working with local people, local resources, and local talents. We strive for locally led initiatives that highlight community assets, promote Rwandan independence, and cultivate sustainability wherever possible.
Transformed Lives
Through a holistic and relational work environment, Handspun Hope works to transform entire lives. Many of the women served by our organization suffer from traumatic loss, HIV/AIDS and marginalization in their own communities. We believe true transformation can only come through relationship with Jesus Christ. Beyond just work, Handspun Hope provides the tools, support, and community to help women live a lifestyle transformed by the Gospel.
Lasting Impact
We aim to empower adults so that, through health awareness, financial stability, and educational values, our employess will become better parents and role models in the lives of vulnerable children in Rwanda. Investing in the lives of Rwandan women shapes future generations.
Financial Freedom
Microfinance Initiative
Handspun Hope envisions entire communities freed from poverty by creating environments where the most vulnerable are equipped to live out their full potential in every area of their lives. We pursue this vision is by providing opportunities for long-term financial independence for the women who are employed by Handspun Hope.
Currently, each woman earns an above-average wage that provides for her basic needs and allows her to invest in her family. Many of our ladies have joined together to create a savings group that acts as an emergency fund, and any woman can request a loan from the savings account in the event of an emergency.
For those who apply and qualify, Handspun Hope is granting individual loans so they can launch their own independent businesses. We then provide the needed preparation to equip those woman to create personal savings accounts, develop leadership skills, maximize their profit and invest more fully in the future of their families.
When one of our ladies achieves enough independence and financial training to leave the yarn-making cooperative and launch her business, Handspun Hope will hire another woman in need of a well paying job and a welcoming, healing community.
Our Programs
We believe that creating lasting generational change comes from truly seeing and caring for the whole person.
We offer the following benefits and resources to support the women of Handspun Hope in their holistic transformation, empowering them not only with secure a job but to develop the skills and to thrive in work and and invest in their families.
CORE FOCUS
Mental health matters.
Every woman in our employ suffers from some level of trauma and loss. That’s why a key focus of our social impact model is our trauma counseling program led by two Rwandan psychologists, including:
Individual counseling
Group counseling
Ibyringiro Institute lay counselor training